A COUNCILLOR has criticised an authority after specialist equipment worth thousands of pounds was left in her late mother-in-law’s home.

Dreda Forster, from Cotherstone, near Barnard Castle, says the disability aids used by Rene Forster could have been used to help others who need it.

Instead, the equipment is still waiting to be collected by Durham County Council’s social services department.

Mrs Forster lived in Teesdale Housing Association accommodation in Cotherstone, but died on October 3.

The 91-year-old, who suffered from severe arthritis, was given an adapted bed by the social services department.

The bed, similar to those found in hospitals, moved Mrs Forster upright at the touch of a button.

She also had a bath hoist, trolleys, a stool, a Zimmer frame and other bathroom accessories, all of which were in good condition.

Councillor Forster, a member of Cotherstone Parish Council and a former Teesdale district councillor, said: “These past few weeks have not been easy, and social services haven’t helped really.

“It is ludicrous that these pieces of equipment are still here three weeks after my mother-in-law died.

“We have cleared the house, but the only things left are those which are waiting to be picked up.

“In places like the Richardson Hospital (in Barnard Castle) there are people who cannot be sent home because this type of equipment is not available to them.

“This is not an isolated case, and I have spoken to people who have said that they have waited months before something can be done.”

Mrs Forster said her mother- in-law, a former pub landlady, valued the equipment.

She said: “She used it all the time – she was crippled with arthritis and she couldn’t have had a bath without the hoist.

“It is terrible to think somebody else could be using it.”

Last night, Durham County Council contacted Coun Forster to apologise, promising that the equipment would be collected soon.

Lesley Jeavons, Durham County Council’s head of adult care, said: “We try to respond to requests as quickly as possible, but we accept that there has been a delay in this instance and we apologise for any distress caused to the family.

“We have been in touch with the Home Equipment Loans service, who will be contacting the relative to arrange collection at the family’s earliest convenience.”